Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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930. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students availing of the home tuition grant in County Cork; the number of these who are at primary level and at post-primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37413/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that the purpose of the Home Tuition Scheme which is administered by the Special Education Section of my Department is to provide a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme also provides a compensatory educational service for children with special educational needs awaiting a suitable educational placement and for early intervention for children with autism.

91 children are currently availing of home tuition in County Cork, 67 at primary level and 24 at post primary level, under this scheme.

The Home Tuition Scheme administered by the Schools Division of my Department provides for children who do not have a school place, and are without the offer of a school place in a recognised school, and for whom a school place is being actively sought in a recognised school, or on whose behalf an appeal has been lodged and where a determination is awaited in respect of an expulsion or refusal to enrol taken under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998.

Home tuition is also provided under this scheme to students who are enrolled in a recognised school at post-primary level studying at junior or senior cycle and whose education may be disrupted due to pregnancy.

Three post primary students from Co. Cork are availing of home tuition under this scheme for the current academic year.